Staff Writer, Colorado – Authorities have identified a 32-year-old man who was drowned in Kenney Reservoir in Rio Blanco County, Colorado on June 21 as a petroleum engineering student at Colorado School of Mines. , Francis was swimming in the Kenney Reservoir during a field session in Rangely.
The body of Francis Manu was recovered late that night after a day swimming with friends.
At about 5 p.m., a friend flagged down a Rio Blanco County sheriff’s deputy, saying Manu had slid into the water off the cliffs and had not resurfaced.
The Petroleum Engineering Field Session that Manu was attending at the time of the incident was cut short, according to the school.
A witness said Manu was underwater for about five minutes. Friends who witnessed the incident jumped in to attempt to rescue Manu but were unable to find him.
Divers recovered Manu’s body from approximately 30 feet of water around 8:20 p.m.
An autopsy was scheduled for the next day in Grand Junction.
He was a final year student pursuing BSc in Petroleum Engineering. Francis planned to graduate in December this year.
The School in face book post said “As many of you already know, Field Session C ended in tragedy with the accidental drowning of student Francis Manu. We are all deeply saddened by this loss and our support goes out to his family and loved ones.
The PE Department is holding an informal Remembrance and Support Session on Tuesday, June 27th from 4-5 pm in the Marquez Atrium. This is an opportunity to gather, connect and remember. Counselors will also be present if you need support or would like to learn more information about the services they provide for the students of CSM.”
The family that lives in Atlanta is planning the final funeral rites of which the date will be announce later.
